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Ex-president Appeals Death Sentence

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Former South Korean President Chun Doo Hwan on Saturday appealed his death sentence, ending days of speculation about whether he was prepared to go meekly to the gallows.

Chun, who was sentenced Monday, was convicted of leading a 1979 coup and then ordering troops to crush democratic resistance in the southern city of Kwangju in a 1980 massacre.

His successor, Roh Tae Woo, appealed his 22 1/2-year jail term for playing a secondary role in the coup and Kwangju massacre.

Both men were convicted of amassing vast fortunes by soliciting bribes from business tycoons.

"I decided to appeal because it is the duty of former presidents to reveal the truth," Chun was quoted by his lawyer, Chun Sang Suk, as saying, according to a report by the domestic Yonhap news agency.

Court officials declined to give details about the grounds for appeal.

Chun and Roh had seven days to challenge the verdicts, but media reports at one point quoted Chun's lawyers as saying he may not bother.